No, that headline is not sensationalist. Well, maybe it is — but oddly enough, it’s also true!
The world watched in wonder as video surfaced of a gentleman who clearly had enjoyed just a few too many spirits. The exceptionally poor judgment of the FBI agent during his dance routine that included a backflip that tossed his gun to the floor is a true cautionary tale for gun safety.
Charges were eventually filed, and the federal cop faces up to six years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and the addition to his distinguished service record of a Class 4 felony if convicted.
Chase Bishop, a 29-year-old special agent, was visiting Denver for routine training when he decided to visit a local nightclub called Mile High Spirits. His “spirited” dance routine included some breakdancing, a bit of bending and twisting and ended with a spectacular backflip. Unfortunately, as the agent’s feet went over his head his gun — which had been tucked into the back waistband of his pants — slid out and hit the floor. Everything was still fine as Bishop completed his move; fine, that is, until he reached for the gun which clearly was not on safety. He fumbled as he came up and attempted the grab, and the gun fired into the leg of a bystander — causing extensive vascular damage that required immediate surgery.
While the individual who was shot was in the hospital, Bishop was turning himself into police at the Sheriff’s Department in Denver. There are many variations of the video floating around YouTube from several different angles. It appears that Chase Bishop was quite popular as he showed off his moves for the crowd. As he left the area of the shooting, he raised his arms and walked out quietly and without a fuss. The video does not show him attempting to help the injured individual, although that may have occurred outside the frame.
The sad part is that FBI agents receive extensive firearms training, meaning Bishop should have known better than to mix alcohol, a concealed weapon and backflips. Unfortunately, it appears that he may be paying for his poor decisions for quite some time.
Of course, there are people who will take this opportunity to claim that all guns are bad. Nothing could be further from the truth — this is a clear issue of a poor decision by a single individual, not a widespread problem caused by all guns. Firearm safety training through the NRA provides a variety of different options that will help individuals hone their skills with a weapon.
While the individual who received a gunshot wound to the leg is expected to fully recover, the FBI agent who discharged his weapon is unlikely to enjoy the same fate. He has already been removed from duty and will it difficult to gain another position in law enforcement after this Keystone Cop incident.
~ Firearm Daily